More Optimistic Today Than Ever: A Talk with Pete Seeger

[JohnyCanuck]

"There is hardly anything bad in the world that doesn't have something good connected to it."

Pete Seeger is one of the world's quintessential activists, having played such an important role in singing the songs and engaging in the struggles of the civil rights, free speech, human rights, anti-Vietnam War, environmental, peace, anti-nuclear, and social justice movements. He spans musical eras, from those who inspired him, Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly, to those he inspired, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Martin Luther King, Jr., Bruce Springsteen, Dave Mathews, and Ani DiFranco.

Seeger has had an epic life, full of amazing contributions to our culture and politics. In person, he conveys a comfortable, homespun way about himself that puts you at ease. He is a modest soul, and in conversation is slow to credit himself on his lifework's impact, but it can be safely said that in the 20th century there is no other individual who has so successfully combined folk music and progressive politics.

snip

Seeger embodies the spirit of this nation more than anyone I have met. At 90, he is humble, straight-backed, clear-eyed, and as straightforward, sincere, and real as any living folk music icon could be. He remains opinionated, articulate, and keenly aware of his place in history and, thankfully, has maintained his inimitable sense of hope and optimism. Pete once confided to me that he "can go on and on (talking), and frequently I do." I have found my favorite talkaholic can always be counted on for bold, provocative, and poignant observations.

I visited him just before his 90th birthday in the spring of 2009 on a warm afternoon. The home he shares with his wife, Toshi, overlooks the Hudson River and Denny's Point near Beacon. I helped him bring out an umbrella from the barn that we set up in the picnic table on the porch next to the log cabin he hand built some 50 years ago. He began discussing the local history of the region. Pete is an excellent historian and a wonderful storyteller. During the course of our interview, Toshi brought us out a pitcher of water and contributed to the conversation.

Transcript of interview posted at:
http://www.realitysandwich.com/conversation_pete_seeger

[MichiganVote]

1. Some souls are just so cool. Love me some Pete Seeger.

[The Wizard]

2. Medal of Freedom

should be in the offing. Pete is a national treasure.